Understand the Requirements

An application to Darden's executive MBA requires a company support letter. This is the only sponsorship requirement that is mandatory for all students. Financial support is optional, though some of our executive format MBA students do receive either full or partial financial support from their employers. A career development plan is also optional, but it is recommended to help you and your employer derive maximum benefit from your studies at Darden.

Company Support Letter

Required: To apply to the Darden executive MBA formats, you will need to submit a company support letter. The letter should:

Indicate that the company is aware of your interest in applying to the program. The letter may also speak to the company’s belief in your strength as a high potential manager.

Acknowledge the time commitment required to attend the required residencies.

If applicable, indicate the level of financial support your employer will provide.

This letter must be submitted on company letterhead with an original signature from your supervisor. The letter may be scanned and uploaded to your application as a PDF. View a sample company support letter.

If you are self-employed, please submit a letter acknowledging the schedule requirements of Darden's executive MBA format, noting that you have the time and resources necessary to complete the program.

Financial Support

Optional: Financial support is not required. However, if you will receive financial support from your employer, the company support letter should specify the level of support being provided. Please also note the level of support in the relevant portion of the application.

Financial support varies, but can include:

Program tuition and fees (including travel to and from residencies)

Complete tuition reimbursement

Partial tuition contribution

Career Development Plan

Optional: We recommend that students entering the executive formats of Darden's MBA have a career development plan in place with their employer. This plan can help outline how the Darden MBA can lead to expanded responsibilities and opportunities within the organization both during the program and after its completion. It can also help employers develop a framework for sharing new ideas and lessons learned from the program back into the company. In addition, the plan can foster a sense of deepened and concrete understanding between the employer and the student.

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